Carvedilol is a generic drug prescribed for certain heart problems in adults. Carvedilol comes as an oral tablet that’s typically taken twice per day. The dosage can vary depending on what condition the drug is used to treat.

Specifically, carvedilol is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the following conditions in adults:

Carvedilol oral tablet is a generic drug and belongs to a drug class called beta-blockers. It’s available in a brand-name version.

Carvedilol also comes as an extended-release oral capsule. (With extended release, the drug is slowly released into the body over time.) For information about this form of carvedilol, talk with your doctor.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of carvedilol oral tablet, including its strengths and how to take the medication. See this other article for a comprehensive look at carvedilol oral tablet.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for carvedilol provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking carvedilol, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Below is information about carvedilol’s strengths and dosages.

Carvedilol tablet strengths

Carvedilol tablet comes in four strengths:

  • 3.125 milligrams (mg)
  • 6.25 mg
  • 12.5 mg
  • 25 mg

Typical dosages

Typically, your doctor will start by prescribing a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Sometimes, doctors may adjust your dosage from those listed in this article. Do not change the amount of carvedilol tablets you take without talking with your doctor.

Dosage for heart failure

Doctors may prescribe carvedilol to treat chronic (long term) heart failure. If your doctor prescribes carvedilol for your condition, your starting dose will likely be 3.125 mg. Typically, you’ll take this twice daily.

After 2 weeks, your doctor may recommend increasing your dosage to 6.25 mg twice daily. If needed, they’ll recommend another increase to 12.5 mg and then up to 25 mg twice daily over intervals of at least 2 weeks.

The usual maximum dosage of carvedilol for heart failure is based on body weight in kilograms (kg). One kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lb). The recommended maximum dosage by body weight is as follows:

  • For people who weigh 85 kg (about 187 lb) or less: 25 mg twice daily
  • For people who weigh more than 85 kg: 50 mg twice daily

Your doctor will determine the dosage that’s right for you.

Dosage for heart problems following a heart attack

Specifically, carvedilol is approved to treat left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) following a heart attack. (LVD is when the left side of the heart is not pumping blood as well as it needs to.)

For this use, the recommended starting dose of carvedilol is 6.25 mg. You’ll take this twice daily.

After 3 to 10 days, your doctor may recommend increasing your dosage to 12.5 mg twice daily. Your doctor may recommend another dosage increase after 3 to 10 days, up to 25 mg twice daily. The usual maximum recommended dosage of carvedilol for this condition is 25 mg twice daily.

Dosage for high blood pressure

The typically recommended starting dose of carvedilol for high blood pressure is 6.25 mg. You’ll take this twice daily.

If this dose isn’t managing your blood pressure, your doctor may recommend increasing your dosage to 12.5 mg and then up to 25 mg twice daily over intervals of 1 to 2 weeks. The usual maximum recommended dosage of carvedilol for high blood pressure is 25 mg twice daily.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage.

How to take carvedilol

Carvedilol comes as a tablet that you swallow. Be sure to take your dose with food.

It may be helpful to take carvedilol around the same times each day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so carvedilol can work effectively.

If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this step-by-step guide for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Long-term treatment

Carvedilol is meant to be a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that carvedilol is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Before you start taking carvedilol, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting carvedilol in an easy-open container. They may also recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.

It’s important that you don’t take more carvedilol than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you take more than the recommended amount of carvedilol

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much carvedilol. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.